Taking Beauty (Taking Beauty Trilogy Book 1)

by Wild, Nikki

  “So, Chloe,” he replied. “Let’s talk about this job.”

  “Job?” I asked in surprise. I’d given up on thinking he was going to give me a real job and if he started talking about blow jobs and butt plugs in front of these people, I’d crawl under the table no matter how much wine was involved.

  “Yes, I told you I was going to give you a job, didn’t I? Did you not believe me? Besides, if I don’t, Matilda will start asking questions, won’t she?”

  “She already has,” I replied. “I just thought you said —,” I began.

  “—Something came up,” he interrupted. “I think you’d be a good fit for it. It’s a little outside the box, but I think you can handle it.”

  “Oh?” I asked. “What is it?”

  “You’re a fashion designer, correct? Well, I don’t deal in the fashion industry, but I just bought a new hotel and I need an interior designer.”

  “You want me to be an interior designer for a hotel?” I asked, my heart speeding up at the thought of such a huge job.

  “Sure, why not? I mean, it’s not fashion, but I figure if you’ve got style then you’ve got style, right? What do you think?”

  “Bear, I’ve never done anything like that before,” I protested, shaking my head.

  “That’s okay, you’ll learn. If you need help, we’ll get you an assistant,” he said, with a dismissive wave. He lowered his eyelids, the blue darkening in his eyes as he peered at me intently. “I have faith in you, Chloe.”

  “Th-thank you,” I stuttered, my heart pounding so hard I thought it would burst from my chest at any second.

  “You’ll have a handsome salary, too, don’t worry,” he continued. “With a full benefits package, of course.”

  I felt myself begin to blush again at the mention of the benefits and smiled at him.

  “My mother will be happy to hear that,” I said.

  “I thought she would,” he winked, his handsomeness taking my breath away. “Of course, I hope you realize that this doesn’t change anything about our previous arrangement. Everything we discussed earlier still holds.”

  “Oh, right,” I said, my body tingling. “You don’t think that’s a conflict of interest?”

  “I don’t really give a shit,” he said, the sternness returning, sending a jolt right through my spine.

  “I see,” I replied, sipping my wine again, trying once more to desperately hide the turmoil bubbling inside of me.

  How in the world would I know how to design a hotel?

  And yet, how in the world could I ever say no to him?

  “Does all of that work for you?” he asked.

  “Yes,” I said, nodding, as I swallowed hard. “I mean, I still have questions…”

  “Of course you do. And like I said, we have all the time in the world for questions.”

  Our dinner arrived at that moment and instead of asking my questions, I ate.

  Gloriously, slowly, decadently…I devoured each and every scrumptious bite of what was indeed the best meal I’ve ever eaten in my life. The wine kept flowing and I abandoned my intentions of slowing down. By the time our meal was finished, we’d finished the entire bottle.

  I didn’t really feel it until I stood up to go to the ladies room. I made my way across the room, doing my best not to trip in my new Prada heels.

  I need to find a way to incorporate some sturdy boots into my wardrobe if I’m going to be drinking like this, I thought, as I stumbled through the door of the ladies room and right into the most glamorous woman I’ve ever seen.

  “Oh!” I slurred and stumbled back. “Excuse me!”

  She’d been walking out as I was walking in and I ran right into her—my melting face doing a face plant right into her creamy, perfumed bosom.

  Blood rushed to my face and I looked up at her. She was amazonian tall, looming over me in all her manicured perfection. Her long blonde hair flowed around her like a satin curtain, with shimmering waves of golden softness that looked like it would melt if you touched it. I resisted the urge to reach out and do just that. It looked as fine as cotton candy and yet there was so much of it. Once I finally made it past all the waves and looked into her face, I gasped.

  Her eyes were purple. Elizabeth Taylor violet. I peered into them, drinking them in like I’d just seen a rare creature in the wild. Anger flashed through them like wildfire and I blinked and took another step back.

  “Excuse me,” I said again, stepping around her, my eyes quickly trailing down and taking in the rest of her. Her black sequined gown fit her sculpted body like a glove, outlining every curve of her lean frame. In Portland, we’d say she had a yoga body. But this creature was so perfectly put together, I couldn’t help but wonder if some of it was man-made.

  She was stunningly perfect.

  But Mom always told me nobody was perfect. I walked past her and ran into the first stall of the luxurious lounge and wondered what this woman’s imperfections were.

  It didn’t matter. I had plenty myself and the last thing I wanted to do was think about my own flaws right now, let alone anyone else’s.

  I needed to get my head together.

  First things first, I’d had entirely too much wine. I took a deep breath, trying to gather my composure.

  Second, these shoes were fucking awful. You’d think the fact that they’d cost a small fortune they’d be more comfortable than they were, but they weren’t. They dug into my heel and caused the arch in my foot to cramp. I couldn’t wait to get them off. I yearned for the comfort of my boots once again.

  I stood up and stumbled out of the stall and over to the sink, shaking my head the whole time. I turned on the gold plated faucet and watched the water run out in a thin, smooth line. I couldn’t help but muse about the fact that even the water seemed to flow better when money was involved. The sink in my studio back home sputtered and bubbled like a dying fish when I turned it on.

  This new lifestyle was going to take some getting used to, but maybe it wasn’t so bad at all. Being out with Bear certainly wasn’t bad, either.

  I looked up into the mirror and was shocked to see the woman still standing there. Leaning against the wall and casually checking her perfect scarlet nails, she looked up and smirked at me.

  “I saw you with Bear,” she said, raising an eyebrow.

  “Y-yes,” I replied, drying my hands and turning to her. “I’m Chloe,” I said, holding my hand out towards her.

  She looked down at my hand suspended in the air between us and snarled. She literally fucking snarled! I pulled my arm back down to my side and took a deep breath.

  “I’m Zoe,” she said. “Zoe Rothchild.”

  “Nice to meet you,” I nodded, trying to muster a polite smile, despite her rudeness.

  “You fuck him yet?” she asked suddenly, her violet eyes turning cold and hard.

  My eyes widened in surprise.

  “He’s my employer,” I replied, finally finding my voice.

  “Oh, I see,” she nodded, her eyes trailing over me as she sized me up. “So, not yet.”

  “Have you fucked him?” I asked, the wine shooting rare courage through my veins.

  “Once,” she quipped. “Let’s just say he has certain peccadilloes that only appeal to a small audience.”

  I nodded, biting my tongue, despite the urge to say something, anything, to knock this woman off her high-horse. I hated her instantly.

  “Just watch yourself, Chloe,” she drawled, her lush red lips turning to a sickly smirk. “He may be powerful, handsome, and generous—but Bear Dalton is not at all what he seems,” she warned.

  “You seem like a nice girl,” she shrugged, staring deeply into my eyes. “But be warned—Bear will eat you alive.”

  I had no idea how to respond. Luckily, I didn’t have to.

  She shook her head slowly before turning on her heel and walking out.

  I exhaled and realized I’d been holding my breath the whole time.

  Her words sliced right throug
h me, sending a dagger of doubt right into my gut.

  * * *

  At my front door two hours later, Bear paused before walking in behind me.

  “Aren’t you coming in?” I asked, turning to him, hating that I’d slurred my words again.

  “Not tonight, Beauty,” he said, planting a gentlemanly kiss on my cheek.

  “Why not?” I asked, disappointment rushing into my heart. I’d been anticipating being alone with him all night. Each time he raised his glass to his lips, a tiny shiver ran through my body as I imagined how his touch would feel later. I’d even set out the best negligee I’d bought on my bed.

  “Two reasons, darling,” he replied, his voice a low whisper in the hallway. “One, I have an early meeting in the morning. Two, you’re drunk.”

  “I’m not drunk!” I insisted.

  “Chloe,” he smiled. “You’re adorable and I really don’t care if you had too much wine. I wanted you to have a good time tonight.”

  “I did!” I replied. “That was the best steak I’ve ever had in my life!” I was being a little too enthusiastic, but it was easy to blame that on the wine too. “But I really wanted was to spend some time with you,” I said, reaching out and grabbing his tie.

  I pulled him close, my lips brushing against his. He kissed me back tenderly, gently, so sweetly my heart swelled with emotion.

  He pulled away, staring into my eyes as he reached up and grabbed my hand. He pulled it down, pressing it against his cock. It was rock hard, hot and throbbing in my hand, full of promise. My eyes widened in surprise and I squeezed gently, a tiny moan escaping from my mouth.

  “Yes!” I whispered excitedly.

  “No!” he insisted, backing away with a smile. “I just wanted you to feel how much I want you, Chloe. But not like this, darling.” He brought his lips to my ear, whispering seductively. “The things I want to do to you right now require complete consent. You aren’t capable of providing that right now and that’s okay. But don’t imagine for a moment that I don’t want you, Chloe.”

  I smiled, nodding, as tears sprang into my eyes. I reached up, snaking my arms around his neck and hugging him close to me. He hugged me back, his massive arms so warm around me I could have melted into them forever.

  I sighed as he pushed me away.

  “You could just spend the night,” I offered. “We don’t have to do anything…”

  His laughter echoed down the hallway.

  “I’m not that strong of a man, Chloe,” he said, shaking his head, his gorgeous eyes wrinkling at the corners. “I am only human, after all.”

  He kissed me again and then gently pushed me inside.

  “Close the door and lock it,” he ordered.

  I smiled, stepping back into the apartment, my eyes glued to his. I didn’t want him to leave, but I was beyond impressed with his manners.

  “Goodnight, darling,” he whispered, as I closed the door, my heart heavy, my head confused and five stupid words running over and over in my head.

  ‘Bear will eat you alive…’

  Chapter 12

  “You’ve got to be kidding me!” I cried. Bear stood in the doorway of my new office with a self-satisfied smirk on his face.

  “I take it you approve?” he asked.

  “Like it? I love it!” I said, twirling around in a delighted circle. The room was massive, almost twice as big as my apartment. It was a corner office and made up completely of windows and steel. A huge bouquet of roses was sitting on the credenza behind my desk. I walked over to it and read the card.

  Chloe,

  The sky’s the limit!

  All my love,

  ~Bear

  “Thank you, that’s so sweet,” I said, smiling over at him. He walked in and led me to the window.

  “Look,” he said, pointing at the incredible view. “You can see everything from here. There’s the Empire State Building. And there’s the Old Met Life Tower over there,” he whispered, bringing his face close to mine as he pointed them out. I shuddered at the heat rolling off of him. The chemistry between us was flying like sparks and being this close to him was proving very difficult. “That’s the Williamsburg Bridge, it’s my favorite.”

  “It’s beautiful,” I said, leaning over and kissing his cheek.

  He pulled away and shook his head.

  “Not at work,” he said.

  “Oh, sorry,” I replied. “I forgot.”

  “That’s okay,” he smiled. “I’m glad you like the office.”

  “I do,” I said, turning to face him, “but honestly, Bear, don’t you think you might want to hire someone more qualified? Someone who’s done this before?”

  “Nonsense. Like I said last night, I believe in you, Chloe. Have a little more faith in yourself. You’d be surprised what you can accomplish when you set your sights high. That’s the only thing separating anyone from success, really—believing that you can do it. Once you have that, and a little bit of courage, you can do anything.”

  “I want to do a good job for you, that’s all,” I said.

  “Don’t worry about making mistakes. We all do. That’s why you surround yourself with experts, to keep yourself in check. You can run everything by me before you make any major decisions, if it makes you feel better, but I trust you’ll have good judgement.”

  “You barely know me and you have such faith in me,” I said. “Why?”

  “I think I know you better than you realize,” he shrugged.

  I smiled at him gratefully and turned back to the view. I took a deep breath, feeling like I was about to jump off a cliff.

  “Alright,” I said. “I’ll give it a shot!”

  “Good girl,” he whispered, his eyes trailing down my body, sending shivers of delight through me.

  I closed the distance between us and I couldn’t resist reaching out and touching his arm. As soon as I did, I realized how much I missed his touch. I vowed to never drink that much wine around him again. He put his hand over mine and squeezed gently, smiling down at me as he nodded encouragingly.

  “Everything’s going to be okay, Chloe,” he said.

  “Thank you, Bear,” I whispered. “For everything. And for being such a gentleman last night.”

  He smiled and lowered his voice.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he growled. “I’ll take my frustrations out on you later.”

  I swallowed hard and my stomach flipped. I bit my lip and looked back up at him before pulling my hand away from his.

  “I look forward to it,” I nodded, as we walked out into the hallway, a perfect picture of employee and employer, nothing more.

  “That’s what I like to hear,” he said. “Now, let’s go meet your new assistant. You can look over all the blueprints and figure out what you need. You have a budget of three million dollars. Let me know if you need more.”

  I froze in place and he kept walking.

  “What did you say?” I asked.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Three million dollars, Bear?” I said, my voice high and squeaky.

  “I said you could have more if necessary,” he said, with a flippant wave.

  “Bear! I’ve never handled that kind of money before.”

  “Handle it? You don’t handle it, you spend it. It’s not that hard, Chloe. Money gets easier to spend the more you have, and it’s even easier when it doesn’t belong to you. Don’t worry about it. You’ll probably be begging me for more by the end of the project anyway.”

  I laughed and shook my head.

  “Come on,” he whispered, his eyes landing on my lips, “before I make you beg for something else first.”

  My eyes widened with pleasure and I licked my lips.

  “That’s my girl,” he growled, his voice lowering. “Now, listen. Get your self orientated and go home early today because this afternoon I’m picking you up and we won’t be back at work until the day after tomorrow. You can start working after we get back. There’s no rush right now.”

&n
bsp; “Alright,” I whispered, silently cheering that I would get another chance to be with him tonight. “I’ll go easy on the wine this time.”

  “Good girl,” he chuckled, “let’s go.” He turned on his heel and walked away.

  I smiled and followed him.

  I was getting very good at following him.

  The view was even better than the one in my office and as I watched him walk down the long, narrow hallway, a secret shiver of pleasure passed through me as I realized just how lucky I was.

  Maybe Zoe Rothchild couldn’t handle him, but I had every intention of letting Bear eat me alive anytime he wanted.

  Chapter 13

  My assistant, Abby, was a godsend. I tried to ignore the look of horror in her eyes when I told her I had a fashion degree and that I’d never done interior design before, but she was so knowledgeable and patient, that by the time I left at noon, I felt like this was something that I might actually be able to pull off.

  Not alone, of course. But with Abby’s help and Bear’s input, maybe it wouldn’t be so foreign to me after all. I had a good eye for fabric and reading the blueprints wasn’t that difficult. I felt a lot better after meeting with her and going over everything, so I went home feeling a whole lot better about my situation.

  If I could work and be useful to Bear, then maybe it would make everything else a little easier to endure.

  Not that I was ‘enduring’ anything. God, that word has such a negative connotation, but I didn’t know what else to call it. It’s not like I’d pursued Bear myself. I hadn’t asked for any of it, it had merely been thrust upon me, so to speak. But now that I was smack-dab in the middle of it, I was determined to make the most of it. I was hardly enduring anything, I was a full-fledged, willing participant.

  Especially because I had yet to identify one bad thing about it all.

  A free apartment in the middle of New York City? Check!

  A challenging, handsomely paying position for a top development firm in our nation’s greatest city? Check!